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Vestergaard formalizes Tiny Targets commitment to support sleeping sickness elimination

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Vestergaard

The gambiense form of the disease accounts for 92% of all cases, and the majority of people exposed to the disease live in rural areas

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, January 30, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Vestergaard Sàrl (www.Vestergaard.com) announced today, World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day, that it has signed the Kigali Declaration on NTDs (http://apo-opa.co/4gfeq9G), formalizing the company’s commitment to support sleeping sickness elimination efforts through the ongoing donation of “Tiny Targets” for vector control of the disease. The Kigali Declaration, launched in Kigali, Rwanda in June 2022, is a high-level, political declaration that is mobilizing political will, communities, resources and action, and securing commitments needed to end suffering caused by NTDs. By signing, Vestergaard joins the 83 existing governments and organizations that have already endorsed the Declaration.

Sleeping sickness, known scientifically as human African trypanosomiasis, is an NTD endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by infected tsetse flies (http://apo-opa.co/3Ei3Q4n), and without treatment the disease is generally fatal. The gambiense form of the disease accounts for 92% of all cases, and the majority of people exposed to the disease live in rural areas.

Yesterday, Guinea was announced as the eighth country to achieve elimination (http://apo-opa.co/42AHd5l) of gambiense sleeping sickness a public health problem. In 2023 just 675 cases were reported, down from 27,862 in 1999 – a drop of 98% (http://apo-opa.co/4h75zIl). The World Health Organization (WHO) road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021−2030 (http://apo-opa.co/4hj6YvE) now targets this disease for elimination of transmission in 15 countries by 2030.

Disease elimination can feel like a lofty aim, but for some NTDs like sleeping sickness, we’re really close

The TrypaNO! and TrypElim partnerships were established to integrate control of the tsetse flies that carry the sleeping sickness parasite with a “screen, diagnose and treat” strategy, with the aim of driving cases to zero (http://apo-opa.co/4hcAyTp). With partners including the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (http://apo-opa.co/4jynwB7), IRD (http://apo-opa.co/4jzK30t), FIND (http://apo-opa.co/4jDJhj1), and the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) (http://apo-opa.co/4jNGOmm), Vestergaard contributes to TrypaNO! and TrypElim by manufacturing Tiny Targets that attract and kill the tsetse flies to prevent infections being passed along to humans. Tsetse flies are particularly attracted to a specific shade of blue, so Tiny Targets use this colour to attract them, and they then fly onto Vestergaard’s innovative insecticide-treated fabric.

Since 2020, Vestergaard has donated Tiny Targets. In signing the Kigali Declaration on NTDs, the company is formalizing this commitment to donate up to 150,000 Tiny Targets every year to help achieve the 2030 elimination target for sleeping sickness as set out in the WHO road map for NTDs. This commitment is publicly available in the Kigali Declaration commitment tracker (http://apo-opa.co/4hexm9D), an online accountability mechanism that publicly tracks and manages commitments made against NTDs that is managed by Uniting to Combat NTDs.

Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, said: “Disease elimination can feel like a lofty aim, but for some NTDs like sleeping sickness, we’re really close. This success is due to strong partnerships, with multiple stakeholders working together to establish a fully integrated strategy of effective vector control, diagnosis and treatment – as well as essential cross-border support from countries for the implementation of these tools. It is a great demonstration of what can be achieved when the necessary interventions are made available and accessible when and where they are needed. We thank our TrypaNO! partners for their ongoing support, and Uniting to Combat NTDs for the opportunity to formalize our commitment to continue donating Tiny Targets as we work together to achieve the WHO elimination goals.”

Dr Andrew Hope, Senior Programme Manager at LSTM, said: “Vestergaard has been a partner in the Tiny Targets programme since its inception.  In the early stages, they made major technical contributions to the materials and design of Tiny Targets and then followed this up with annual donations of Tiny Targets.  They are essential partners in the effort to eliminate sleeping sickness.”

Dr Isatou Touray, Executive Director of Uniting to Combat NTDs, said: “Vestergaard’s signing of the Kigali Declaration and ongoing donation of Tiny Targets for sleeping sickness control is a powerful demonstration of how innovation and partnerships can accelerate progress toward the WHO 2030 NTD goals. As we navigate an increasingly challenging global financing landscape, commitments like Vestergaard’s are more important than ever to protect the gains we’ve made and continue driving down transmission. Achieving the WHO targets requires coordinated efforts and novel tools like Tiny Targets that are tailored to the unique challenges of diseases such as sleeping sickness. We celebrate partners like Vestergaard who remain steadfast in their commitment to improving the lives of millions of people worldwide and ensuring that NTD elimination becomes a reality.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vestergaard Sàrl.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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